Contents 1 | Introducing CorelCAD 2017...............................................................1 2 | Customer profiles ..................................................................................3 3 | Key features..............................................................................................7 4 | Integrating CorelCAD 2017 into other graphics workflows........... 19 5 | Comparing CorelCAD 2017 to Light CAD applications ............. 21 Introducing CorelCAD™ 2017 CorelCAD™ 2017 is the best choice in files, has become a requirement that saves computer-aided design by delivering custom- organizations both time and money. izable tools and the precision you need to The native CorelCAD file format (.DWG) exceed the CAD results you expect in 2D supports the latest AutoCAD .DWG file format drafting and 3D design. It uses native .DWG (R2013 .DWG), as generated by most recent file format, offering compatibility with all AutoCAD application versions up to AutoCAD major CAD programs, is optimized for 2017, ensuring total fidelity with the industry Windows and Mac OS, and adds support for standard. CorelCAD 2017 shows off its Android devices to deliver consistent versatility in the handling of file attributes of performance and speed across platforms. non-supported AutoCAD features and Enterprises that rely on CAD have always had preserving functionality in .DWG files, tough choices to make about software. While eliminating conversion and sharing issues. there are several budget-priced alternatives, If you’ve worked with other popular CAD tools, many lack critical tools or use a format that making the transition to CorelCAD is impedes collaboration and sharing. CorelCAD straightforward. CorelCAD incorporates a 2017 simplifies things by offering an range of intuitive tools, commands, and inexpensive, full-featured 2D CAD application familiar UI elements found in other CAD with 3D solid modeling tools. software so any CAD designer can quickly get The use of CAD files is becoming more to work with no learning curve. commonplace for a wide range of graphics Windows has traditionally been the operating professionals, from technical illustrators to system of the CAD world, but there are pockets designers in marketing departments — even of dedicated Mac users. With that in mind, among 3D printing enthusiasts. As such, CorelCAD is optimized for both platforms — businesses need a CAD solution that is versatile and at a fraction of the price of other CAD enough to be used effectively by a wide range software available for the Mac. And as mobile of skillsets. What’s more, the ability to open devices are revolutionizing how we work, and repurpose CAD content, such as .DWG CorelCAD 2017 extends the desktop to Android tablets with the new CorelCAD Mobile. Reviewer’s Guide [ 1 ] Customer profiles Architects, Engineers, and CorelCAD 2017 offers a lightweight, standards- compliant 2D application that supports 3D Construction (AEC) service solid modeling. The ability to work in the .DWG providers format, including AutoCAD 2017 .DWG files, eliminates any conversion issues when In the AEC sector, CAD designers work exchanging files with colleagues or reusing primarily in 2D, but with an increasing legacy files. Collaboration is simplified and emphasis on 3D design. They work for small to accelerated through support for voice medium-sized firms and create a variety of notations and commenting in editable drawings, including 2D designs for drafting and drawings. Plus, files can be exported to construction plans, elevations, floor plans, and CorelDRAW (CDR)*, Corel DESIGNER (DES)*, construction details. Their projects are just as and PDF, simplifying information sharing with likely to be created from scratch as to be based other departments in their company, such as on legacy design components. The ability to documentation or marketing. What’s more, collaborate and exchange files with colleagues And the new CorelCAD Mobile is the perfect and clients is critical to their workflow. And, tool for getting things done anywhere, anytime many architects prefer the macOS or work in a on an Android device. It works seamlessly with hybrid Windows PC and Macintosh Windows or Mac versions of CorelCAD and environment. And as mobile devices become allows users to design and annotate on the go. more powerful, the ability to work anywhere CorelCAD Mobile is also ideal for quickly opens up a world of possibilities for this sector. presenting projects to clients and colleagues wherever and whenever the need arises. * Windows version only Reviewer’s Guide [ 3 ] 3D Enthusiasts and DIY designers transformation from 2D to 3D. They then export it to print on a 3D printer or send it to a for 3D printing 3D printing output service. 3D enthusiasts and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) designers for 3D printing are playing a critical CorelCAD is part of a powerful range of Corel role as this technological revolution becomes products that provide all the specific tools more mainstream. They’re at the forefront of needed for a 3D printing project. The ability to realizing the unlimited potential and output directly import CorelDRAW (CDR)* sketches possibilities of 3D printing. means users can move from the initial sketching to the 3D design phase without any The foundation of their 3D printing projects is disruption. Then, DIY designers turn to built using 2D vector graphics. The first step in CorelCAD 2017 for a simplified 2D-to-3D their workflow is a 2D sketch because it’s conversion process and precise design tools to easier, faster and more intuitive than complete the project. They also seek the file attempting to draw a 3D design from scratch. compatibility CorelCAD 2017 offers with a range of common formats integral to 3D After exporting the 2D design to .DWG, they printing projects. use a 3D design application to complete the * Windows version only [ 4 ] Reviewer’s Guide Occasional 2D CAD users Secondly, graphic designers need an intuitive tool to edit CAD files that supports all elements There are two groups of occasional 2D CAD of .DWG drawings, such as model spaces and users, each with distinct needs and workflows. layout sheets. They work in marketing and technical documentation departments, and the Firstly, CAD designers working for large ability to work with 2D CAD files allows them enterprises in the manufacturing sector design to reuse design content in user guides, primarily in 3D, however, they still need 2D marketing materials, and presentations. support. The types of drawings they design include assembly schematics and parts details, CorelCAD addresses these needs by offering and many of their legacy files are 2D CAD an affordable, standards-compliant 2D CAD (.DWG), which have to be maintained. A 2D application that complements 3D CAD draft will often serve as the basis for a 3D solutions. The ability to import drafts from design, and they need to be able to repurpose CorelDRAW (CDR), and export CAD drawings 3D files to add detail to 2D drawings. To share to CorelDRAW and Corel DESIGNER file their work with other departments, they formats* simplifies repurposing content, publish CAD drawings to a range of formats. ensuring that users can maintain and reuse legacy content. * Windows version only Reviewer’s Guide [ 5 ] Key features With native .DWG support and industry- partners and customers who work with the standard CAD features, CorelCAD 2017 helps .DWG file format. users be more productive with intuitive 2D- and 3D-design tools and versatile file-format compatibility. Optimized for Windows, Mac OS and Android tablets, CorelCAD delivers impressive speed and powerful performance on your preferred platform. CorelCAD 2017 offers new and enhanced 2D editing tools that simplify and accelerate modifying the geometry of objects and trimming hatches or color fills. You can work faster and with more precision thanks to new drawing tools, an intuitively redesigned print dialog, and performance enhancements. Familiar CAD user interface: If you’ve worked in Advanced .DWG file support: While most CAD other popular CAD applications, there’s no tools let you work with AutoCAD .DWG files, learning curve with CorelCAD, so you can be many employ their own native file formats. productive immediately. Offering a familiar Often, converting these file formats to and CAD user interface — including the command from .DWG, causes critical loss or line — you can quickly get to work by using the misrepresentation of parts of the drawing. And same commands and keyboard shortcuts you some CAD tools are unable to open these already know. third-party proprietary file formats. CorelCAD 2017 uses .DWG as its primary drawing format, so you’re assured of worry-free collaboration. Many CAD tools and their proprietary file formats contain elements that aren’t supported in .DWG. And conversely, AutoCAD has features that aren’t supported by some applications, which can cause untimely and unwanted surprises during file conversion. With CorelCAD 2017 and its ability to process the file attributes of non-supported AutoCAD features, you’ll enjoy full compatibility when collaborating with Reviewer’s Guide [ 7 ] Ribbon user interface (UI): Familiar UI and efficient tool access help to ease the transition Give it a try for new users migrating from other Windows- Choosing and creating a Ribbon based CAD applications, such as AutoCAD. workspace CorelCAD 2017 is compatible with all major CAD programs so users will feel at home 1 Click the drop-down menu in working with a classic UI and traditional menu the upper left corner of the workspace, items or modern ribbon UI workspaces. In and choose an option: addition to offering workflow-oriented Ribbon • 3D Modeling workspaces*, such as 2D Drafting or • Drafting and Annotation 3D Modeling, CorelCAD 2017 lets you tailor a 2 Click the Manage tab, and click Interface workspace to specific needs with Ribbon UI in the Customization group. customization. Plus, you can easily import customized AutoCAD workspace files (CUIX) 3 On the Interface page of the Customize and map those tools and functions directly to dialog box, expand Ribbon, then Tabs. the CorelCAD ribbon. 4 In the Tabs tree view, right-click and click New Tab.